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Hey, There's Been Some Work Done

Doctor S has been busy in his penthouse office, high atop the JFP Tower, modifying the Amazing SportsBlog. The Amazing improvements include adding new links (check out the new Jackson Rugby Club site) and repairing some other links. You're welcome.

Not The Same Old Bull

Bull riding is usually the feature event at a rodeo. But the Professional Bull Riders have turned it into the whole show. Lily Burana writes that PBR is trying to appeal to a younger audience by promoting bull riding as the original extreme sport. It must be working, PBR shows are consistent rating winners on NBC and cable TV. The key to a successful bull ride: Don't let the bull step on your hat, especially if you are still wearing it.

You Call That An Injury?

Chicago Cubs corker Sammy Sosa threw out his back last week by sneezing. And he's not the first baseball player to sneeze his way onto the disabled list. But Darren Rovell writes that the leading cause of injuries among baseball players remains hanging around the house. And Jeff Merron recounts stories of some of sports' real he-men. Doctor S' favorite is Satchel Paige, who during his Negro Leagues heyday once pitched three doubleheaders in one day (the third with a broken arm). And changed a flat tire.

Boss Chicken

What the hell does this have to do with sports? Nothing, but Doctor S thought it was funny and vaguely unsettling, especially when one considers the source. Have your way with this chicken.

Another Burning Question: Urine Sane?

Why do some athletes pee on their hands? Does urine really toughen the skin? No, it's just the opposite, writes Dan Kois, but this practice's benefits might be more psychological than physical.

Goodbye Larry?

Bulldog Nation is squabbling over an attempt by two members of the State College Board, both MSU alums, to oust MSU athletics director Larry Templeton. The one-year contract extension appears to Doctor S to be the kiss of death for Templeton, especially since his arch-enemy Scott Ross will be leading "review" of the MSU athletics program. What kind of person is Ross? He sheds his skin once a year. To hear what they're saying, check out any of the MSU message boards, especially the infamous (and often hilarious) Six Pack Speak Which is where Doctor S found these new words that have joined the MSU fans' lexicon:

Yankees Commit Heresy

Maybe New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner really is the devil after all. The Yankees have quit selling Cracker Jack at Yankee Stadium, replacing it with Crunch 'n Munch? What? "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" doesn't say a damn thing about "Crunch 'N Munch." Expect the Apocalypse to commence any minute now.

Another Burning Question: Where's Slamball?

Like thousands of you, Doctor S has been asking, "What the heck happened to SlamBall?" A quick Web search turned up the disturbing news that Spike TV has dropped SlamBall so that it can show three more episodes of "Star Trek" every Saturday night. But SlamBall officials vow that season 3 of every hyperactive person's favorite sports will return to the tube soon and the league will go on. What really needs to happen is the creation of a real Rollerball league. But not to the death, of course. Except during the playoffs.

Horse Tales

They call it the Seabiscuit effect. In 2003, the combination of Kentucky Derby/Preakness winner Funny Cide's unsuccessful bid for the Triple Crown and the popularity of the movie "Seabiscuit" spawned a surge of interest in horse racing. Naturally, a horde of books on horse racing followed. It also brought another book about Seabiscuit back into print, Ralph Moody's "Come On Seabiscuit!" Eric Banks fondly remembers that book and others on the sport of kings that he enjoyed in his youth. Banks' favorites include Walter Farley's immortal "Black Stallion" series. For Doctor S, Farley's horse series is still the champ.

Out On The Fringe, Still On The Track

Doctor S had assumed that roller derby had become extinct, much like the 10:30 Saturday night movie on your local TV station and wooden bats in Little League. But Felix Gilette reports that they're still strapping on the skates and trying to get past the jammers out in Texas. You can take U.S. pro sports out of the carnival, but you can never take the carnival out of pro sports.

Ferriss Award Finalists

The three finalists for the first Ferriss Award, which goes to Mississippi's top college baseball player, were named on Wednesday. They are: Mississippi State outfielder Brad Corley, Ole Miss first baseman/pitcher Stephen Head and Southern Miss second baseman Jarrett Hoffpauir. The award will be presented on Monday, May 17, at 11:45 a.m. The ceremony will be held at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum on Lakeland Drive in Jackson. The winner was selected in voting by the major league scouts who cover Mississippi. The award is named for Boo Ferriss, the legendary former Delta State coach and Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer. For tickets, call (601) 982-8264 or 1-800-280-3263. Who's going to win? Doctor S says Stephen Head should make room in his trophy case.

How To Succeed Without Really Trying

The two best jobs in pro sports are backup catcher and backup quarterback. These guys make a lot of money for doing relatively little and the fans love them. Backup catcher is better because there aren't any fans or journalists insisting that you should be playing. The Slate's Stephen Rodrick writes about these successful slackers

Jock Blogging

Athletes have found a new way to give reporters the finger: the Jock blog. Slate's Bryan Curtis writes:

Lords Of CBL To Get Their Rings

Fresh off a 1-2 season-opening series at Coastal Bend, the Jackson Senators will play their home opener on Monday night. The Senators' game against the San Angelo Colts begins at 7:05 p.m. at Smith-Wills Stadium. In a pregame ceremony at 6:30 p.m., the Senators will get their rings for winning the 2003 Central Baseball League title and the championship banner will be raised. ... And remember, Tuesday is dollar beer, uh, beverage night.

M-Braves Digging In

Groundbreaking for the Mississippi Braves' stadium will be held Tuesday at noon in Pearl. The site is behind the Tinsel Town movie theater. A free lunch (ballpark food) will be provided. The $25 million, 6,000-seat stadium is scheduled to be completed in time for the Class AA team's opener in 2005.

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